Early Decorated Furniture of the Pennsylvania Dutch

Long before the era of next-day delivery and factory-made furnishings, the objects inside an American home possessed a soul. A dower chest, a corner cupboard, or a painstakingly stitched quilt was not simply purchased; it was dreamed of, waited for, and cherished. Crafted by local artisans who knew the families they were building for, these artifacts carried the enduring spirit of their makers.In colonial America, these pieces were the anchors of a family's lineage. Ancestors guarded them fiercely, leaving strict instructions in their wills: "e;The chest shall always go to the oldest daughter,"e; or "e;Do not sell these family things unless you are hungry."e; They understood something that our modern, hyper-accelerated society has often forgotten: that a well-defined link to the past gives a family strength and stability. Sadly, succeeding generations haven't always shared this reverence, allowing priceless heirlooms to become "e;that old thing"e; banished to the attic or broken down for kindling.Now, as urban sprawl paves over rural landscapes and the antique market strips the sentimentality from our heritage, our material culture is quietly dissipating. Historic barns are dismantled; family estates are plundered. Yet, for those who know where to look-and how to appreciate them-these objects still speak. This book invites you to listen to them, to rediscover the charm of our early American artifacts, and to recognize the vital importance of holding onto our roots in an ever-changing world.